1995 Vauxhall Cavalier MK3 1600 LS

Finished in Nautilus Blue Mica Pearl (Code 14L), this would have been a dealer option at the time of purchase. Although described as “blue”, in most lights it presents as a dark metallic turquoise and is one of the most sought after colours for the MK 3 Cavalier. The colour really accentuates its sleek aerodynamic shape, quite revolutionary at its time of launch and with a slippery drag coefficient of just 0.29, it was class leading in the medium sized family car class.

As can be seen from the photos, the paintwork is in superb overall condition,

holds an impressive shine, is uniform both in colour and finish across all panels and all panel gaps are factory tight.  There are a few very light bumper rubs, the odd stone chip and the “LS” wing badges have tarnished slightly, but these minor imperfections only to be expected on a well preserved unrestored car of its age and mileage. All glass is factory fitment and free from scratches or chips. In addition, the GM Carello headlights, trim sections and window rubbers are also in excellent condition.  Still displaying its supplying Vauxhall dealer number plates and rear window sticker, the car is also fitted with OEM spec mudflaps front and rear.

As part of the pre-sales preparation, the car was subject to a sympathetic paintwork detail and treated to two coats of Swissvax’s excellent Crystal Rock wax, which provides up to 6-12 months paint protection.

The Anthracite interior in Grey Tracs Uni velour (Code 81 l W6G) presents beautifully, with the seats free from stains or rips, still firm, with minimal wear and just the slightest evidence of “loosening” of the material on the front seats.  

The matching colour keyed door cards and headlining also present in excellent condition, with evidence of just a tiny amount of shrinkage on the driver’s and passenger door armrest and some minor fraying of the gear leaver gaiter.

The standard equipment on the LS spec cars featured the following: Laminated windscreen, green tinted glass, safety crumple zones, rigid passenger safety cell, anti-lock brakes (ABS), 4 spoke steering wheel with driver airbag, colour coded front grille, bodyside protection mouldings, colour coded bumpers, halogen headlamps, power assisted steering (PAS), electric front windows, central locking, tilt/slide sunroof, digital clock and external temperature gauge, cigar lighter, illuminated glove locker, vanity mirror, remote operated door mirrors and split rear folding seats.

This example is also fitted with a Phillips DC 681 radio cassette player, which along with electric aerial, was a factory option upgrade (Code W8X).

All lights, electrics and switches work as they should and the immaculate boot floor has the factory insulating panels and the original polystyrene moulding holds the jack, wheel brace, factory screw driver and centre cap locking tool.

The 1.6 litre fuel injected engine performed well against the comparable competition at the time, but more importantly delivered excellent fuel economy, returning 33.6 miles per gallon in the urban cycle and 58.9 miles per gallon at 56 mph according to the owner’s manual.

The car feels smooth and lively enough to drive, with the gearing making the use of the available power and torque throughout the rev range and is more than capable of being used as a “daily driver” in today’s traffic and motorway driving.

With 56,596 miles from new, supported by MOT and service and invoice history.  Its most recent service was in September 2024 at 56,499 miles and included a cambelt and tensioner replacement, oil and brake fluid service, air filter and catalytic converter replacement. It’s also received a “no advisories” MOT that runs until October 2025.

The 5 speed gearbox is a joy to use, albeit quite long in throw, as was typical of the time. The clutch engages smoothly and shows no undue signs of wear.

The car rides well on its suspension with no undue noises to be heard.

The car sits on its factory option 14 inch 5 spoke alloy wheels, all presenting in good condition and fitted with new matching 195/60 R 14 tyres. The OEM spare wheel is steel, fitted with the same size tyre as the driven wheels.  

Fitted with discs brakes at the front and drums at the back, service history evidences new front discs and pads were fitted in September 2024.

The documented history folder, contains the registration document and clear Total Car Check dated 02/01/202534.

The file contains extensive maintenance and parts invoices, dating from July 1996 right up until September 2024, with the service booklet showing 10 stamps to date.  All evidence of the care and attention the car has received over its life, to present in the condition it does today.  

The file also contains a large number of MOT certificates dating back to 2001, right up until the current MOT issued in October 2024.

There is also a hand written note from the current owner, which details the background of the car’s ownership in his family, from when it was first purchased by his Grandad in 1998, to present date, which is a lovely piece of provenance for the car.

There is dealers book pack, containing the service booklet, owner’s manual, audio manual and original Network Q Guarantee from when purchased in 1998, as a Vauxhall approved used car from the Great Central Vauxhall dealership in Rugby, the original supplying dealer.  

Finally, the car comes with 2 sets of keys and MK3 Cavalier Haynes service and repair manual.